Social Question

When is vigilantism justifiable?

I heard about the vigilante group in Egypt and was trying to think about the consequences of such action.
When is vigilantism worth the cause, when all other means are exhausted, when their movement or fight is officially recognized, what are some of the reciprocal effects of these seemingly positive wins for society?

I imagine it’s justified when enough of the relevant society deems it sufficiently necessary. If the vigilante is following morality of the society in which they operate, they’re fine. Being sanctioned to enforce or judge law doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with what’s right, just, or needed. The problem of course comes when they over-step their bounds, prove unwilling or unable to follow the code society demands, or refuse to step aside when no longer seen as necessary.

The power and right to administer justice and assume police responsibilities always flows from the will of the people and society as a whole. By becoming a vigilante, you are assuming a right not granted by your peers, and are thusly acting against their will, and are nothing more than a criminal.

For me, I think that morality does often become circumstantial. Whether that’s good or bad is a moot point, it just is. I believe that sometimes there’s no best option, so we choose whatever fits our needs best. I’d never condone breaking the law though.